Table for the elongation of the vertebral column



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O. VAQUETTE TABLE E'oR THE ELoNGATToN 0E THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN Filed oct. 14V, 195o 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 TNW:

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Patented Dec. 30, 1952 TABLE FOR THE ELONGTION OF THE VEBTEBRAL COLUMN Odette aquette, Paris, France Application October 14, 1950, Serial No. 190,151 In France October 18, 1949 (Cl. 12S-75) 7 Claims.

The present invention relates to a table for elongating the vertebral column, this table being so designed as to exercise a stretch on the vertebral column of a patient in order to pull apart the vertebrae and to relieve from compression the roots of the nerves extending from the spinal cord, and also to combine, if necessary, the elongation treatment with a straightening and a massage of the vertebral column.

Elongation tables are already known, on which the patient rests on the back, and which belong essentially to two classes, viz.,

(a) those in which the pulling stress is transmitted to the vertebral column through the medium of the legs and the arms, or of the legs and the neck. In these apparatus the pulling stress is not conned to the vertebral column, but is also exercised on the joints of the arms and the legs whereby the efiiciency of the pulling stress in stretching the vertebral column is uncontrollable.

(b) Those in which the pulling stress is applied to the trunk of the patient by the aid of straps passing about the trunk in two transverse planes between which the zone of elongation is localized. In these apparatus the tightening of the straps about the chest is usually ill-borne by the patient. This causes, in particular, muscular contractures, which may have fatal results.

The known tables also possess the following disadvantages As the patient rests on the back, it is impossible for the operator, during the elongation treatment, to carry out a dorsal massage, which very frequently advantageously completes the beneficial effect of the elongation proper.

On the other hand, although the pulling stress can usually be measured with the aid of a dynamometer, no e'icient'safety means are available, which enable the pull to be limited automatically; whenever the operators attention relaxes or the measuring apparatus has a breakdown, serious accidents may occur.

Finally, the position of a patient resting on the back is such that the vertebral column assumes its normal curvature, so that the pull exerted, before it causes an effective elongation of the vertebral column, has rst the effect of straightening the column, and this straightening action cannot be eiliciently controlled so as to rectify permanent deformations of the vertebral column.

The present invention has for its object to overcome these disadvantages. and to provide an elongation table which is so designed that the patient, kneeling down at one end of the table and resting thereon face downwards, whilst pressing against the edge of the table with the inner partei the thighs, is disposed in a suitable position for dorsal massage, stretching being exerted on the shoulders for the purpose of dorsal and lumbar elongation or on the head for elongation of the `cervical vertebrae. The apparatus may furthermore be tted with means for rectifying deformations, as in lordosis (excessive curvature of the lumbar region), cyphosis (arched back) or scoliosis (lateral curvature of the vertebral column). Y

The elongation table according to the invention comprises essentially a horizontal frame on which is slidably mounted a supporting carriage, adapted4 to support the chest of a patient and comprising two vertical arms adapted to t below the armpits of the patient occupying a kneeling position, the table being further supplied with means for supporting and anchoring the thighs in the kneeling position of the patient, and with means for actuating the carriage, causing the latter to be moved along the table.

In order to automatically limit the stretch applied, the actuating means for the carriage preferably include a stress limiting device, which causes an automatic disengagement of the drive when the pull has reached a predetermined limit.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a traction carriage, which is resiliently connected with the supporting carriage and is driven positively by the actuating means, the supporting carriage being driven by the traction carriage through the medium of said resilient connection, whilst at each instant the tension of the latter is measured by a dynamometer. i

The positively driven traction carriage may with advantage be fitted with a traction yoke adapted to bear against the nape of the neck and the chin of the patient, in such a way as to aord an elongation of the entire vertebral column, including the cervical vertebrae, when the arms of the carriage engage below the armpits of the patient; when using .the arms of the supporting carriage as an abutment for the shoulders of the patient,` the elongation may be restricted to the cervical vertebrae.

Additional strap means may be provided in order to bring about, simultaneously with the elongation of the vertebral column, a rectirlcation thereof in the case of lordosis, cyphosis lor scoliosis.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows, by way of example, an embodiment ci the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section taken through a table according to the invention, the patient being represented diagrammatically by dashdotted lines.

Fig. 2l is a corresponding plan View.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line 3 3 in Fig. l.

Fig. 4 shows diagrammatically the use of the apparatus for the elongation of cervical vertebrae.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the traction yoke for the head. y

Referring to the drawing, it will be seen that the apparatus comprises a frame Il which is gen# erally in the form of a table, on which latter there is slidably mounted a supporting carriage 2 adapted to slide in slideways 3 of the table under the action of a screw 4 operated by a hand wheel 5. vAt one end of the table there is provided a lower cross-member 6 in the form of a stool, on which the patient is able to kneel with the front por-tion of his thighs pressing `against a marginal cross-member 26 beneath the edge of the table I, whilst'his chest rests on the supporting carriage 2, the latter having vertical arms 1, which can be introduced below the armpits of the patient.

A backing .cross-.member 8 in the form of adjustable transverse bar engages in the hollow located between the calves and the thighs 'for the purpose of holding the .patient in vthe desired position and constitutes a `point of anchorage `during the stretch exerted on the shoulders as a result of displacement of the carriage 2. It will be seen that .the Vlowercross-member 6 or stool is located underneath the gap between said marginal cross-member 25 and backing cross-mem- 'ber or transverse bart, the relative positions of said vcross-membersl being such that the thighs of a patient kneeling on said lower cross-member will lbear by their. front faceagainst said marginal cross-member and by their rear face against said backing cross-member. The stretch is thus exercised in eiective'manner on the entire vertebral column between .that .part of .the bone structure connected .toi-the shoulders and the lumber vertebraevconnected tothe pelvis, playing the part of fxedpoint.

In-thisposition of kneeling, the vertebral column of .a normalibody isin -a straightened condition andthe whole pull is practically used for the elongation. Furthermore, the patient is'made to assume `,as position which is extremely favourable for dorsal .massagawhich latter may be carried out during the stretching operation.

In the embodiment illustrated, the supporting carriage 2 isnot directly .connected to the'operating screw, but is connected to a traction carriage 9 through the medium of'a Aresilient connection, for example a spring II).l In lthis way the pull is transmitted to the supporting carriage in -a progressive and resilientmanner.' Furthermore, a stress-limiting device, for example a friction clutchY I I, is interposed in the driving means, for example between the wheel 5 and the screw ll, so as to be capable of 'slipping when the stress exceeds a certain 'valv'e (for example 50 kilo-- grammes).

.This arrangement of a double carriage lends itself with advantage to elongation of the cervical vertebrae, whichjotherwise'would not be eiected by the stretching action. For this purpose, the ltraction lcarriage 9 carries-a hook I2, 'tol which there can be attached a traction yoke I3, suoli as that illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, comprising a chin strap It and a neck strap I5, which are connected together by bracing means. When the head is inserted in the yoke I3 and the latter is slipped over the hook i2 on the traction carriage 5, displacement of the latter causes `an elongation of the vertebral columnirom the rst cervical vertebrae up to the final lumbar vertebrae.

li it is desired to localize the elongation solely to the cervical vertebrae, it is also possible to pass the arms 'I of the supporting carriage 2 in front of the shoulders of the patient and to immobilize the supporting carriage, as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 4.

To obtain at the same time an elongation treatment and also a rectifying treatment of the vertebral column, the table I may be made to include auxiliary means to this eiect. En the embodiment illustrated, the supporting carriage 2 comprises two uprights .I5 supporting a strap I? (Fig. 3), adapted toreceive the abdomen of the patient for reducing excessive curvature of the vertebral columnilordosis). Furthermore', the supporting carriage 2 carries on .each side two rods I3 and I9 parallel with the longitudinal axis; on each of said rods are slidably arranged on the one hand one end of a strap 2t and on the'other hand a tightening .devicel'L adaptedto ensure tensioning of the' same strap .or'of .the straps connected to the opposite rod. V.By stretching fa strap about the trunk of the ypatient transversely with respect to the table, it ispossible .to remedy excessive convexity of the vertebral column y(-cyphosis). On the other handfrby forming'with one of the straps a loop about the patientsbody and by drawing on this loop laterally,v it is `possible to exert a lateral pull' on the vertebral' column for bringing about a' rectification of the column in the case of lateral deformation (scoliosis).

lf desired, one of the straps may be formed into a loop to exert a pull from one side, and the other strap may be formed into a loop to exert a pull in the opposite direction.

Obviously the details of construction in the practical embodiment of this apparatus maybe modified within wide limits.

In the construotional arrangement illustrated in the drawings, table I comprises fourlegs'?. connected at theirupper ends by two longitudinal members 23, 24 and two cross members 25, 25. The longitudinal membrs 23, 42t are'provided on their inner face with two horizontal slideways 3 on which carriages 2 and 9 are'slidable.

Endless screw li, which is mounted for rotation at one end in a bearing in .the cross member 25, engages a nut 2 secured to the lower rface oi trac-tion carriage ,5, ywhich is lthus ymoved positively uponl rotationof screw'rs, under the action of wheel 5, through the vmedium ci the-'stresser torque-limiting friction clutch II.

The resilient conne-ction between traction carriage 9 and supporting carriage 2 consists of a dynamometric device" comprising a metallic sheath `25 secured to carriage "9 by a screwed plate 2S having a centralfaperture, ai metallic'r'o'd 3S secured at one end :to supporting carriage l2 and sliding within said sheath, vtheop'posite end of said rod having a piston 3l, adaptedto compress a coil spring 'I5 `with'inthe sheath. A vertical pointer 32, secured to piston 3-I moves lalong a longitudinal slot 32a formed in the sheath and in the carriage 9, infront of a ydynam'omletiic scale 33, secured Lto Athe'u'pper part' ofY traction carriages. 'i

`Supporting carriage 2 comprises an oval recess 34 adapted to accommodate the head of the patient (Figs. 1 and 5) and two handles 35 to assist the patient in adjusting himself on the table.

The arms-l, which are of arcuate form, are adjustable laterally, being capable of displacement in two slots 36 in the supporting carriage by means of a rod 3l mounted on bearings below the carriage 2 and actuated by a handle 38, the rod 31 having two oppositely directed screwthreads co-operating respectively with two `nuts 39y at the lower end of arms 1. This enables the adjustment of the spacing between the arms 'I to the size of each patient. Said arms 'I may be passed below the armpits of the patient (Fig. 1) in the case of elongation of the entire vertebral column, or may serve as an abutment for the shoulders when it is desired to limit the pulling action to the cervical vertebrae (Fig. 4)

In this case stretching is eiected through the medium of the traction yoke I3, pulling on the head of the patient. This yoke (Fig. 5) comprising a leather harness looped back upon itself and consisting of an upper portion I5 forming a strap for the nape of the neck and a lower portion I4' forming a chin strap, these two portions being held apart at an adjustable distance by means of webs 4I. Two traction straps 42, secured at one end to yoke I3, are supplied with rings 43 at their opposite end to be fitted over the hook I2 on carriage ii.

Supporting carriage 2 carries on each side the two rods I3, I@ iitting in two end pieces 44. On the rst rod it is slidably mounted a strap 2E] having eyelets 45. The second rod I9 is rotatably and slidably mounted in the end pieces 44, and terminates in a handle 45. On each rod I9 is slidably mounted a barrel 41 having a stud. 48; a screw 49 engaging a groove (not shown) in rod I9, prevents rotation of barrel 47 relatively to said rod.

For the purpose of looping the straps 2t), each strap and each collar 4l can be shifted along the respective rods I 8 and I9 into the position necessitated by the figure of a particular patient. Barrel 4l is then blocked on rod I9 by screw 49, and stud 43 is engaged in an eyelet 45 of strap 20. Rotation of handle 46 will cause tightening of the strap. The strap may be held in the tightened condition by a locking means for rod I9. This locking means consists of a notched ring 55 secured to one of the end pieces 44, adjacent handle 45, which is supplied with a transverse pin 5 I. Strap 2B being tightened, rod I9 is moved to a locking position where pin 5I engages the notches of ring 56,' release of the strap is eiected very readily by sliding rod I9 into the loose position, the movement of said rod being limited by a nut 52 at the opposite end thereof.

Straps 25 may be used to treat scoliosis or cyphosis.

For reducing abnormal convexity of the vertebral column (cyphosis), one of straps 2l] (or both) is passed over the patients back and buckled to barrel 41 at the side opposite its point of attachment to the carriage, and this tends to iiatten out the vertebral column.

In the case of scoliosis, i. e. in order to correct lateral deviations, the straps are looped on themselves, i. e., the barrel 48 which is used for tightening a strap is that which is located on the same side of the supporting carriage as the strap. By using the two straps 20 looped on themselves on opposite sides of the supporting carriage, a torque for supporting the p-atients chest, two

is exercised on the vertebral column of the patient. tending to bring about correction.

At the end of the table opposite control wheel 5 is arranged the device for supporting the knees the thighs and the pelvis of the patient. This device comprises a stool 6, secured to the legs 22 of table I, which stool may be covered with a cushion or pad 53. Two metal -plates 54 are screwed on the inner faces of the legs 22 of the table and are formed with vertical series of corresponding holes 55, in which may be adjustably threaded a retaining bar 8, adapted to be arranged in the hollow behind the knees of the patient. The across member 26 connecting the legs 22 is covered with a sheet of rubber 56 and serves asa supporting and holding surface for the patients thighs. A small board 51, at right angle with the transverse member 26, serves to support the pelvis.

In the case of lordosis, it is preferable that the l pelvis of the patient `should be supported in such a manner as to reduce the vertebral concavity. For this purpose the two removable uprights I6 are secured by sockets 58 to the legs of the table, and the strap Il', the curvature of which is adjustable by means of a buckle 59, is disposed between the two uprights to support the pelvis of the patient. i

All parts of the apparatus in contact with the patient are preferably tted with sponge rubber.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been cited solely by way of example.

Having now claim as new Patent is:

1. A table for elongation of the vertebral column comprising in combination a horizontal frame, a supporting carriage slidably mounted `thereon vertical arms on said carriage adapted to t in the armpits ofthe patient, means on said frame for positively actuating said carriage to shift same along the frame, a marginal cross member vat the rear end of said frame and immediately under the horizontal plane of said supporting carriage, a backing cross member supported from the rear end of said frame parallel with and spaced from said marginal cross member and at a lower adjustable level than the latter, and a lower cross member supported from the rear end of said frame, parallel with said former cross member and at a lower level than the latter, underneath the gap between said marginal and backing cross members, the relative posi-- tions of said cross members being such that thel thighs of a patient kneeling on said lower cross; member will bear by their front face against; said marginal cross member and by their rear face against said backing cross member.

2. A table for elongation of the vertebral column as claimed in claim 1 wherein said actuating means embodies a driving section, a driven section and a friction clutch operatively connecting said sections and adapted for complete slippage When the torque to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined limit.

3. A table for elongation of the vertebral column comprising in combination a horizontal frame, a supporting carriage slidably mounted thereon for supporting the patients chest, two vertical arms on said carriage adapted to nt in the armpits of the patient, means on said frame for the support and anchorage of the thighs and the described my invention what I and desire to secure by Letters knees of 'the patient occupying a kneeling position, means ro n said frame for ,actuating said supporting carriage to shift same along the iframe,V and a friction clutch operatively connecting said actuating means and said vsupporting carriage and adapted for complete slippage when the torque to be transmitted exceeds a predetermined limit.

4. A table for elongation of the vertebral column comprising in combination a horizontal frame, a supporting carriage slidably mounted thereon for supporting the patients chest, two vertical arms on said carriage adapted to fit in the armpits cf the patient, means konsaid frame for the support and anchorage of the thighs and the knees of ,they patient occupying a kneeling position, Va traction carriage slidably mounted on said frame, actuating means on said frame positively connected to said traction carriage .to shift same along the frame, a .resilient connec- -tion between said traction carriage and said supporting carriage whereby .the latter is actuated by said actuating means through said itraction carriage and said resilient connection, and a dynamometer adapted to indicate at each instant the tension of said resilient connection.

5. A table for elongation of the vertebral column comprising in combination a horizontal frame, a supporting carriage slidably mounted thereon for supporting the patients chest, two vertical arms on said carriage, means on said frame for the support and anchorage of the thighs and the knees of the patient occupying a kneeling position, a traction carriage slidably mounted on said frame, saidwtraction carriage comprising a hook, actuating meansfon said frame positively connected to said traction carriage to shift same along the frame, a resilient connection between said traction carriage and said supporting carriage, and a traction yoke, removably attached to said hook and adapted to t the head of the patient, whose shoulders bear against said vertical arms of the supporting carriage, a pull being exercised on the cervical vertebrae of the patient through `said yoke as the traction carriage is actuated by said ac tuating means. v

6. A table for elongation of the vertebral column comprising in combination a horizontal frame, a vsupporting carriage slidably mounted thereon for supporting the patients chest, two vertical arms on said carriage, adapted toV t in the armpits ofthe patient, means on said frame for positively Vactuatimg said carriage lto shift same along the frame, a cross member at the rear end of said frame immediately under the horizontal plane of Said Supporting carriage, against which the front face of the patients thighs are adapted 'to rest, a stool supported from the rear end of said frame at a lower level than said cross member for the patients knees and a bar supported from the rear end of said frame at an adjustable level between the levels of said cross member Iand said stool and at such a lateral distance from them as -zto be adapted to engage the rear face of the patients thighs.

7.- A table for elongation of the vertebral co1- umn, as claimed in claim l further comprising means for tightening the lpatients chest, said means comprising on each side of the table a transverse strap adjustably secured to the table anda strap tightening device, adjustable alongthe table, and adapted to cooperate, either with the free end of the opposite strap, stretched across the table, or with the free end of the adjacent strap, looped above `the table.

ODETTE VAQUETTE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the nie of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 937,825 Lend Oct. 26, 1909 1,280,987 Gregory Oct. 8, 1918 1,582,950 Weaver et al. May 4, 1928 1,837,037 Gilberg Dec. 15, 1931 

